The National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC) chaired by the Cabinet
secretary, P K Sinha met on December fouth two full days after the cyclone
Ockhi struck the land's end in Tamil Nadu and reviewed the relief and rescue
operations in States and Union Territories affected by the ongoing cyclone

The Committee also took stock of the preparedness activities in Maharashtra
and Gujarat which are likely to be impacted by the cyclone. The very severe
cyclonic storm Ockhi over east central Arabian Sea moved further northwards
with a speed of 13 kmph early morning on December four.

It is very likely to move North-North Eastward and weaken gradually. It
will then cross coasts of south Gujarat and adjoining North Maharashtra near
Surat as a deep depression by midnight of December 5.

The NCMC also took note of another depression being formed in the South
East Bay of Bengal adjoining South Andaman sea and reviewed the preparedness
activities undertaken by States of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Andaman &
Nicobar Islands. Necessary advisories have been issued to fishermen and others.
The Chief Secretaries of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Andaman and Nicobar
Islands have taken necessary steps to deal with any eventualities occurring in
their respective States.

The Cabinet Secretary held a video conference with the Chief Secretaries
and the senior officers of the affected States and UTs to review situation. The
meeting was also attended by the officials of Ministry of Home Affairs,
National Disaster Management Authority, Ministry of Defence, Indian Navy, India
Air Force, Indian Coast Guard, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Indian
Meteorological Department etc.

The government agencies at the centre and the affected States are regularly
monitoring the cyclonic storm and are conducting necessary relief and rescue
operations. Indian Coast Guards, Indian Air Force, Indian Navy, NDRF and local
Government agencies are also continuing the search and rescue operations.

A total of 243 fishermen in Tamil Nadu, 250 in Kerala and 1047 persons in
Lakshadweep have been rescued so far. Relief material is also being provided to
inmates in relief camps set up by the government agencies. State Governments of
Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Lakshadweep administration also took prompt action in
dealing with the situation. The Central Government have deployed Coast Guard –
Ships (10), Aircraft (3), Helicopters (1); Navy – Ships (10), Aircraft (2),
Helicopters (2); Airforce – Aircraft (1), Helicopters (3) for rescue and
relief.